We like to go out to eat, but I almost always end up with leftovers. Asking the server for a to-go box as they deliver my meal has become standards practice. So often we have struggled to flag down our busy server and get a to-go box at the end of a meal.
But, with a zero waste lifestyle goal, I began just bringing my own container to stow my leftovers. I don't need to add another task for a busy server, and I can box up my food whenever I'm ready.
It sometimes feels a little awkward to bring my own box. I admit I was a little nervous about it the first few times, but the reactions from servers has been really supportive. The first time I did this, the waiter saw me loading my extra raviolis into my own container and he said, "I love this!" then he repeated it several more times.
The tight sealing lid has never leaked, unlike single use packaging. I can fit the box in my purse, both with and without food in it. (I would never have put a single use box in my purse, definite leak situation there.) I don't have to take home any extra packaging, paper or plastic, and my food stays fresher.
When we are getting ready to go out to dinner I just grab a container from our stock and slip it in my purse. I am fortunate enough to have a nice bag that is big enough to do this.
I found my glass food storage containers at a discount shop that sells overstock from other places, but they are basically these. Any container you have that fits in your bag and is airtight will probably work for you.
I'm going to keep bringing my own box whenever I think I may have leftovers. Maybe you'll do the same.
Note: This post includes an affiliate link to a product I didn't actually buy. It is the closest thing I could find to one I did buy from a local store. I suggest you try to find something similar from a local overstock place near you. If you by something through the link I shared, I'll earn a small (very small) portion of your purchase and I'll use it to buy books for my classroom.
This post also includes a link to the company I bought my purse from. I love the bag I bought from them. They also offer teachers a discount and I love a good teacher discount.
